Jackson, Wyo. – The Jackson Ranger District of the Bridger-Teton National Forest will be hosting a public workshop on Wednesday, October 14, from 5:30 – 7:30 pm at the Teton County Library to discuss options to improve dog owner responsibility within the Jackson area of the National Forest.
This workshop is part of the Forest Service’s continuing effort to address the concerns that were brought up by the public with regard to dog waste and dog control, particularly within heavily used areas near town such as Cache Creek and Teton Pass. The Forest recognizes that other recreation uses also require attention, however addressing dog owner responsibility is the most complex issue and would benefit from more in-depth public discussion.
The goal of the workshop is to explore new ways to improve dog owner responsibility on behalf of safety for people and dogs, clean water, and wildlife. Jackson District Ranger Dale Deiter said, “We want to be a dog-friendly community that cares about wildlife, a healthy environment, and access to nature. But with more of us around, the need for dog owners to be responsible for their dog(s) is growing every year. Current problems in the interface areas of the National Forest near town include dog waste, aggressive dog behavior towards other dogs or people, dogs harassing wildlife, and dogs getting injured or killed. These problems will not improve on their own; we must work together to improve dog owner responsibility before problems get worse.”
The workshop will focus on small group discussion to identify the trade-offs associated with five options to improve dog owner responsibility. The options range from implementing a leash requirement in certain zones around trailheads and the first section of trails, requiring a permit to bring a dog off-leash in certain areas of the Forest, to limiting the number of dogs allowed per person. The focus is on the winter season when the need to protect wintering wildlife is most critical.
There is no RSVP required, but due to the location of the workshop, space might be limited and we encourage those interested to arrive promptly. Comment forms are available on the Forest website for those unable to attend the workshop.
For more information you can contact the Supervisors Office at (307) 739-5565 or visit our website www.fs.usda.gov/btnf/.